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Ann Gravel

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Are These My Closing Costs?

11-28-11
Ann Gravel

When first time home buyers are told what they might have to expect at closing, it’s like sticker shock. First time home buyers need to be educated on what they will have to bring to the table when papers are transferred. Cost of taxes and administrative costs vary in some states and can either be a plus or a minus.
My husband and I bought our first home in our mid years and we were naturally very excited and happy that the bank approved our loan. From then on it was a matter of getting our affairs in order and preparing to move. At that time we depended solely on our agent for all details and when we were given a reasonable estimate of the closing costs, we listened but with almost half an ear. It was like the day you get married and you’re so excited during the ceremony that you only half hear what the preacher or minister (if you will) is saying.
Closing costs are exorbitant because there is so much to consider: Broker’s Commission, Transfer Tax, Private Mortgage Insurance, Title Fees, Credit Report fees, Appraisal fees and Inspection fees. Then there are the lender’s charges such as discount points, administrative costs and other minor fees. Other costs are Recording fees and if engaged, an Attorney’s fee, Pro-rated utilities and Property taxes that need to be adjusted for the time between old and new ownership. This adds up to a tidy sum but, it is all worth the trouble if you are ready to finish the transaction. What’s nice about having a realtor is his or her ability to negotiate these costs. Isn’t that nice?
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A LIFT FOR THE SELLER

10-24-11
Ann Gravel

Every home as we know is different. After a listing agreement has been signed. your Realtor should make you aware of some important information. The Realtor should make a check of your home no matter how new it is and give you some insight as to how to prepare your home before the property Inspector gets there. I'm referring to some of the more apparent conditions that need to be addressed before the sale.

A home will not endure if it is not properly maintained. Home staging and curb appeal help but, the seller needs to address some issues long before the Inspector gets there. Price of the home, time frame and negotiations will peak in the Seller's mind first. But before this, a need to inspect on one's own is absolutely necessary. Get those cracks in the foundation repaired and check the roof for leaks. Make sure electrical wires are properly cased and fuse boxes cleaned. Grout in the bathroom cleaned and replace any hardware that is outdated or worn.

The home should have a light and airy affect and this can be accomplished by removing things in an overstuffed room. We all love to hoard little knickknacks and other sentimental items however, when we are striving for home appeal most of these should be stored to leave less distraction and more house to view. Make sure the basement is clean; no rags, old metal pieces, frames or other things we tend to gather. It's just these little suggestions for you dear Seller that can give your home a big boost whether it be old or new.

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GETTING A NEW START

07-02-10
Ann Gravel

I was sitting at my computer wondering what I was going to offer for my next blog when I realized in the background the history channel was playing the biography of President Washington. I was getting a refresher course in how this great leader won the battles for his country and built up the Continental army. His dogged determination and sense of liberty and justice is what made the record for his successes. Coming back to being a full service Realtor now depended on getting my own leads. To say the least I was daunted by the task because I had to get back to marketing and seek information to propel me forward. It's difficult to establish yourself when your out of the public view for a time. I could not resist listening to the rest of the program and when it finished, I realized that I had to really find something that would assist me and get me back on track.

Active Rain To The Rescue.

Since I have come back to Active Rain, my hopes have skyrocketed. I do find it to be a little gold mine and I only wish I had kept up with it even when I was not fully practicing Real Estate. As a matter of fact, I did another course which was beneficial but it didn't have the richness of experience and information I was truly seeking. That's why I can say firsthand, I'm awfully glad to be back. This is my first step to getting back in action and applying the knowledge I have gained while out of practice. It's never easy making a new start and today I was reminded of what our first great leader had to overcome to achieve all his goals.

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